Letter to a Dandelion: Earth Verse for Gardeners & Nature Lovers by Jeffry Glover

It was the title and bright cover that attracted me to this book. Absolutely lovely. 

This is a book of rhymes, mostly rhyming couplets, about the beauty of gardens and gardening. There are little poems dedicated to the weather of course, and flowers such as daffodils, iris, magnolias, lily of the valley and apple blossom, plus several addressing the dandelion. The beauty and challenges of animals including rabbits, birds, squirrels and snakes have their own verses but there is the sense that all animals are loved as aspects of nature, no matter how much potential damage they do. Then there are the chores and practicalities of gardening like weeding, mowing the lawn and poems such as Bushes Blocking Windows, The Tree Next Door and Verdant Moss indicating the downside of tending the garden. Oh, and the never ending issue of falling leaves in autumn.

The verses are all charming and show an affection for nature and are pleasant to read. They are simple and straightforward, light and witty with some wordplay, Garden Instructions and Kicking Grass are examples of this. There is an observance of the seasons and the light from the sun and moon as it paints the sky and the garden. Goose Summer Gone is a lovely descriptive poem. But it is The Gift, possibly the best poem in the book, that really captures the spirit of this collection as it demonstrates the essence of nature within the universe and how we truly should appreciate it.

A book full of affection, fun, beauty and hope. Everyone should read this, even if it’s just a bit from time to time. Perfect for children.